Influence of Temperature on Cannabis sativa Seed Germination: Insights from Lusikisiki Ecotypes, Eastern Cape

Azile Dumani, Ifeanyi Egbichi, Adebola Oyedeji, Tembakazi Silwana, Babalwa Mpambani and Hlabana Seepe

Background and Objective: Temperature is considered a key environmental factor that influences germination, as it plays a critical role in breaking dormancy. Additionally, the successful establishment of seedlings is largely dependent on their germination potential. This study, investigated the effects of varying low temperatures, on the seed germination of medicinal Cannabis sativa ecotypes collected in Lusikisiki, Eastern Cape Province. Materials and Methods: Seeds of medicinal cannabis were collected in the wild from three villages namely: V1, V2 and V3 in Lusikisiki and were subjected to varying minimum temperatures viz: 8, 10 and 12°C. Thirty-five seeds per village were placed in 9×1.5 cm Petri dishes lined with moistened double-layer filter papers. Petri dishes were placed in a growth chamber (Labex, Scientific, Model 357, EL, SA) set at different temperature levels for fourteen days. At two days and daily until 14 days after sowing (DAS) parameters namely, number of seeds germinated, days to 50% (T50) germination, final germination percent (FGP), coefficient of velocity of gemination (CVG), mean gemination time (MGT) and the length of hypocotyl and radicle were determined. Results: Cannabis sativa seeds begin to sprout at 5 days and the germination halts at 13th days DAS irrespective of temperature level and seed origin. About 12°C had the highest number of germinated seeds and 8°C recorded as the lowest. The V3 seeds had the highest germination proportion and V1 had the lowest. The V3 seeds demonstrated a good germination potential in all indices tested. The longest radicle was recorded in V3 at 12°C and the equal hypocotyl length was obtained at 12°C irrespective of village. Conclusion: This study suggested that cannabis sown at 12°C had a rapid germination and the seeds collected from areas of high geographic altitudes could be a preferred choice for cannabis production as they show adaptability to varying minimum temperatures.

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